James Anderson hits back after Michael Vaughan called for his England axing

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UNDER-fire England stalwart James Anderson has hit back at his critics after a heavy nine-wicket defeat against Pakistan at Lord’s.

Former captain Michael Vaughan suggested this week either Anderson or fellow paceman Stuart Broad should be dropped to send a ‘wake-up’ call to the squad.

The veteran paceman responded to the pressure on Wednesday, defending the way he has bowled to 535 Test wickets.

“We watched Pakistan bowl at us and could see what lengths worked on that pitch, so [the criticism is] just something I’ll try and block out,” he told The Telegraph.

“Some people think they might know better than me but I’d like to think that, after 15 years of playing Test cricket, I know which lengths to bowl on certain pitches.”

Anderson dismissed Vaughan’s suggestion that either he or Broad should make way in the side, saying the pair are doing the best they can to turn England’s form around.

“We’ve 950 Test wickets between us ... I know we’ve been on a really bad run of form this winter and the first Test here, and I think in these situations you need players to stand up and put in match-winning performances.”

England are facing their third consecutive Test series defeat after losing to Pakistan at Lord’s.

The second and final Test of the series starts at Headingley on Friday night.

Anderson said the side is low on confidence going into the Test, but insisted the best 12 cricketers in the nation had been named in the side.

However, he spoke before all-rounder Ben Stokes sustained a left hamstring injury during fielding practice.

Stokes is yet to have a scan but will be assessed by England medical staff on Thursday.

Uncapped Surrey left-arm swing bowler Sam Curran has received a late call-up as cover for Stokes.